Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
You do everything you can to take care of your teeth: regular brushing and flossing, seeing your dentist every six months for an appointment, avoiding using your teeth as tools and eating right. But are you paying enough attention to the health of your gums? Pain, irritation or sensitivity in your gums can cause as much disruption as a toothache. That is why, today on the blog, we provide five ways you can care for your gums.
Avoid over brushing
Have you ever wondered why the American Dental Association recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush? Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing with too much force can damage your gums. Short strokes and gentle pressure will keep your teeth clean without potentially damaging your delicate gum tissue.
Refrain from fierce flossing
Flossing cleans the small spaces between your teeth that are impossible to reach with your toothbrush. Floss can also damage your gums, causing irritation and even bleeding. Correct flossing technique is as follows: insert your piece of floss between two teeth, bring it down to the gum line and then move it up and down around the surface of a tooth while applying gentle pressure. If you come to our office in Okemos for a regularly scheduled check up, one of our dental hygienists will be happy to provide instruction on and even demonstration of the proper flossing technique.
Mind any oral appliances
Braces, retainers, mouth guards and dentures: these are all different types of oral appliances and all of them potentially can irritate your gums. In most cases, this irritation subsides as you get used to your new oral appliance. If the problem persists or the discomfort worsens, however, you should contact your dentist in Okemos.
Whitening woes
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products use gels or treated strips to remove surface stains from your teeth. No matter what store-bought whitening option you choose, peroxide is likely the active ingredient. Applying these products can be tricky, as you want to keep any of the peroxide away from your gums. To avoid this risk, we recommend receiving a professional teeth whitening treatment from the team of cosmetic dentistry professionals at Tenaglia Smiles.
Drop the tobacco habit
Using tobacco in any form can compromise your gum health. Smokers or those who use chewing tobacco face an elevated risk of developing gum disease. Tobacco use also can cause redness or bleeding in the gums, two issues that also are symptoms of gum disease.
Comprehensive Dentistry in Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing in Michigan
The team at Tenaglia Smiles can help maintain the health of your teeth as well as your gums. If you are concerned about your gum health or have any questions about any of the services we offer, schedule a consultation today. Find out for yourself why Dr. Christine Tenaglia has been honored as Okemos’ favorite dentist. Tenaglia Smiles currently is accepting new patients.For more information, call our office in Okemos today at (517) 347-6733 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.